Interview with Suzie Warner (Suziebelle), owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: I had been in the retail business with Ample Duds boutique for 10 years, and was looking for a new location. I had done business with Tessabelle’s Near New Shop for 34 years, consigning my merchandise. She was looking for someone to take over the lease due to a family illness. So I took it over and found out I really enjoyed the near-new business.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: Our costumers are a lot like family. When they come in to shop, they feel like they are welcomed and are at home. We know who’s sick and who is better, who is getting married and having a baby. They come in if they need a friend or just want to hang around the shop. They enjoy that personal attention, and so do we. Our windows are our best advertising — people will drive by and call and ask, “What size is that dress in the window?”
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: Meeting new and old customers who bring in their merchandise to sell or consign. You never know what you will be taking in. They are happy to find us, and we are happy they found us.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: The economy has been the biggest challenge. Trying to keep our prices low so people can shop and get a bargain. Our customers have always been the middle class, and it has been hard on them and us.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: SuzieBelle’s Near New Shop has a wonderful reputation of having good, clean near-new clothing, shoes, purses and jewelry at low prices. If it isn’t a bargain, it surely defeats our purpose. Let me give you a good tip: Shop often at SuzieBelle’s. If we don’t have what you are looking for one week, we surely will the next. We have the nicest, smartest satisfied customers who know how to save money.
Profile
Business: SuzieBelle’s Near New Shop
Address: 4165 Wadsworth Blvd., Wheat Ridge
Hours: 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday
Founded: 2009
Contact: 303-423-0242
Employees: 2
